Complete Area Rug Guide

Continuing our weekly theme of Furniture Arranging, we are now getting to the bottom of things, literally. You have learned how to arrange the furniture in every room of your house, but you are not done yet. You now need to bring the whole room together, and you do that with, (drumroll please) a great rug!

Thanks to Lisa Ferguson (www.lisafergusoninteriordesign.com), we have great tips for everything you need to know about rugs - what size to buy, what shape, where to put it, and material options. This is your quintessential guide for every room in your house!   

The Skinny on Rugs! The rules, the facts and the options…..

Where to begin?  The first step is to assess what fiber best suits your needs.  If the rug is meant for a high traffic area that is at risk for spills and stains, then you will require a low maintenance, easy clean option.  Once this is determined, the world is your oyster.  See below for the skinny on all things rugs….. I like to keep it simple! Enjoy..

THE RULES

Rule #1 Buy what you love; let the rug inspire the space!  Choose a pattern or a colour scheme that can set the mood

Rule #2 Scale -measure your space before you buy.  A small rug in a large space tends to visually shrink the room

Rule #3 Always! Always! Always!  Use a quality under pad. Not only does it add to the longevity of the rug, it cushions your steps; helps insulate the room as well as aids in noise reduction

Rule #4 Furniture should either fit the rug perimeter and or overlap the edge

Rule #5 Be open!  Be flexible!  Choose a rug with life.  Entertain the possibilities.  A rug that may look a little wild or bold in a monochromatic space can be a fabulous piece of art

Rule #6 Remember broadloom can be cut and bound for an inexpensive coordinate. You can choose the exact size you require vs. using the standards

The facts:

A simple guide to outline the various differences in fiber, cost, usage, and ability to clean:

Cotton-The least expensive, easy to clean, fibers are natural and soft.  Usually used as throw rugs and/or in low traffic areas such as bedrooms and baths

Wool- Mid-to-high price points; requires professional cleaning, Often used in living rooms and/or common low traffic areas

Nylon-The strongest synthetic fiber; easy to clean.  High static probability; therefore not recommended for commercial use or for an office.  Great for basements, family rooms, kitchens and dining areas.  Pricing varies, more than cotton, comparable to some wool

Polyester- Less expensive than nylon and wool. They are static resistant, very durable, and easy to clean

Olefin- Mid price; often used for indoor/outdoor application.  They can withstand moisture and are very durable.  Static resistant.  Perfect for patios, dining areas, front porches and even offices

Pile It On

The options:

Loop-They are just that – loops of fiber.  The most common example is Berber.  Very durable; however, a caution to pet owners, claws can damage the loops

Cut pile/Low pile- Rug threads are trimmed, cut pile is soft, and plush.  Quite durable. Downside is the pile can be crushed and or flattened.

Shag- Plush long threads, a great textural application.  Very comfortable.  A little high maintenance although it hides a multitude of sins

Sisal/Jute/Coir- Natural fibers.  Stains are a challenge.  Wears quickly.  They are not soft underfoot.  They offer amazing textural opportunities. NOTE**  If you love this look there are fabulous synthetic versions available

Flat weave- The weave is flat without pile. They are very durable and can be used in high traffic areas. (Example: A braided rug)

As you can see, there is no shortage of information relating to purchasing the rug of your dreams or finding a temporary inexpensive solution.  Do your homework.  Know what you are buying.  Love what you choose!

WHERE TO PUT IT

Now let´s talk about how you will arrange that great rug of yours in your space. Below are diagrams for all your rooms: 

Dining Room

Bedrooms

Living Room

Now you are fully equipped to arrange the perfect room you deserve.

Good luck!

Layers of Light

Layering light is important in the function and display of a room. Having different lighting options will allow you change the mood of the room to meet different functions. There are three main levels of lighting: general/ambient, task, and accent. Each play an important role in your home and should be found in every room.

General/ambient lighting: This type of lighting provides overall illumination. It creates a uniform light level that helps you maneuver through a space. Overhead can lights, wall washers and chandeliers are all examples of ambient lighting.

Task lighting: As the name indicates, this type of lighting is directed at a specific area to complete a certain task such as reading, cooking in the kitchen, or working at a desk. Under-cabinet lighting, table and desk lamps are examples of task lighting.

Accent lighting: Generally used to create ambiance and warmth to a room, this kind of lighting is used to accent certain areas. Adjustable recessed can lights and track lighting are used to draw the eye to a textural wall or piece of artwork.

We suggest you start with general lighting first and work your way to accent lighting to ensure each level is addressed. Think about the space and what tasks you will be performing. Include dimmers to allow you more flexibility with your lighting.

Color Code

Color is all around us and affects us in many different ways. Adding color to a design can strongly influence the feeling of the room.

There are three types of colors: warm colors, cool colors & neutrals.

The WARM COLORS, red, orange & yellow are energetic.

COOL COLORS have the opposite effect. Blue, green and purple are calming.

NEUTRALS are typically used as a background color. They help balance the more vibrant colors.

Here are some color interpretations to help you create the mood you want in each room of your home.

BLUE = Calm, Peaceful, Sad

PURPLE = Imaginative, Creative, Royal, Dramatic, Rich

GREEN = Growth, Earth, Prosperity, Tranquility

YELLOW = Uplifting, Hopeful, Warm

WHITE/IVORY = Pure, Clean, Simplistic

BLACK = Mysterious, Elegant, Bold

GRAY = Conservative, Elegant, Reserved

BROWN = Earthy, Natural, Warm

RED = Passion, Energy, Love, Anger

ORANGE = Happy, Lively, Enthusiastic

What's In Now

Each year, Sherwin-Williams publishes the Color Mix, a look at the trends in color palettes, and 2014 is turning out to be a great year! From delicate and translucent pastels, to bold colors inspired by nature and art around the world, you are sure to find your perfect shades. 

Click here to learn more:

2014 Color Pallette

Take it to the WALL!

Walls create the backdrop to our homes, so why would you want to leave them beige and void of texture? It is important for a home to have a few unexpected twists that make the space energetic and lively.

One easy way to do this is by dressing up your walls. Whether you choose a bold accent color or you want to add decorative wainscoting, these things can elevate your home to a great custom look.

What are some of Aiva´s favorite ways to decorate walls?

Wallpaper is a great option. There are so many wallpaper books out there with bright colors and bold patterns that would boost the design of any room. From matte to metallic, trellis to stripes, wallpaper is classy and can be styled to fit any type of home.

Paint is another easy way to add drama. Adding a bright pop of color will liven up a room and draw you into the space. Using stencils and tape to create a bold pattern on the wall gives you the same effect of wallpaper, but for half of the cost.

If you fall into the traditional category, wainscoting, beadboard, and picture frame molding with a chair rail are great options. This will add texture to your walls without being overly dramatic. Consider adding paint to the molding to infuse color into the space. Another idea we are loving is the use of reclaimed wood to create an accent wall.

But this is just the surface of thinking of your walls. Let's go a bit deeper...

Not So Dry Drywall

Drywall textures can be divided into two categories based on how they are applied.

Some textures are made by hand tools and are known as hand applied textures. Hand drywall textures vary based on skill level and techniques used. They are applied using special brushes, knives & trowels.

Spray textures are produced by a machine that sprays the texture onto the wall.

There are so many wall options, it may get overwhelming. This is a great start, and of course you can always call Aiva for great personalized ideas.

Happy Space = Happy You

We have all heard the adage “We are products of our environment,” and many studies have proven that it is indeed true. That means that your health, your happiness, and how you think and behave everyday could very well be the product of where and with whom you are spending your time. So the best thing you could do for your overall well-being is to create a space where you, and everyone you are with, feel the best.

Aiva has some great ways to help you do that.

It IS Easy Being Green

If you close your eyes right now and imagine yourself in a happy, peaceful place… Go ahead, I´ll wait…

…

…

YOU. ARE. HERE.

I´m willing to bet you imagined some place in nature. Whether that was sitting in the middle of a giant flower garden, on top of a hill overlooking gorgeous green pastures and mountains, next to a picturesque waterfall, or on a sandy beach with the waves lapping at your toes… oh, you´re wandering again, stay with me :-)  , something of nature was probably involved.  We feel good in nature, and we can bring those happy feelings home by inviting natural elements into our homes.

Green Spaces Study

Here´s how:

• have at least one tall potted plant, and as many little plants as you´d like: it’s amazing what this does to a space
• treat yourself to fresh flowers: scatter in vases and add pops of color everywhere
• select floral/tree prints on fabrics, rugs, or wallpaper
• Add surprising little elements of nature whenever possible 

                          Nature Inside   

Live Moss Bath Mat- water it by using it - adds interest and texture to any bathroom

                                     

Get Inspired

Words are powerful (word power). They can motivate and be helpful reminders of qualities that induce good energy. This is also true for images. Having a photograph or work of art that inspires you is a wonderful thing to look at on a daily basis.

Here’s how:

• frame your favorite inspirational quote and hang it where you’ll likely see it daily
• speckle your home with photographs of memories made and people you love
• art inspires beauty; hang pieces that remind you of something lovely

Color Me Happy

There’s no doubt that color influences mood. Much research on color psychology has proven this. Certain colors produce feelings of well-being and happiness over others. When selecting wall paint or color palettes for your space, keep this in mind: Want to feel more euphoric in your home?

Check out our Color Blog to learn more!

Brown = earthy, natural, warm

Perhaps you can remember a time where you walked into a room and immediately felt different. Maybe you get a claustrophobic or ominous feeling in certain spaces – of course, if you feel this way when you get to work, you may want to either redecorate your office (www.aivadecor.com) or make a career change (www.monster.com). 

Either way, just remember this: surrounding yourself with happy, beautiful things and spaces will make your whole life happier and more beautiful, and you deserve that.

Room for Baby

The Baby Room is the place where your little bundle of joy learns, grows, and continually develops.  From choosing the right furniture pieces to the perfect color scheme, keeping your child safe should be the main priority.  Here are a few tips to achieve a perfectly safe and colorful baby space.

Safety First

According to the EPA, one of the 5 leading health risks in the US is indoor air.  Yes, that is the air inside our homes.  And one of the leading causes of our air issues are paints, varnishes, and solvents we use containing VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compound.

Exposure to VOC’s can trigger asthma attacks, eye irritation, respiratory issues, nausea, and dizziness.  Given the health concerns of consumers and new government regulations, alternative paints have been introduced into the market.

A product with The Green Seal certification for Standard GS-11 is based on VOC content, the absence of chemicals, durability, and performance.  Look for these different types of paints to ensure healthy breathing for your baby and family.

• Low Odor or Low VOC Paint
• Zero VOC Paint
• Non-Toxic or Natural Paint

Color for the Senses

According to Barbara Richardson, a color expert and director of color marketing for ICI Paints, “the Psychology behind the color is incredibly personal.  Adults have lifetime experiences they filter their perception of a color through.  Their preferences come from strong emotional associations with the past, positive or negative experiences.”

Basic color psychology can help you create a room that’s in harmony with you and your baby’s needs.  Follow this guideline when choosing that color.

• Red: Stimulates the appetite, heart rate, and breathing.  Can make babies feel anxious, so it’s better used as an accent color.
• Orange: Associated with warmth and contentment; It’s a nurturing color.
• Yellow: Enhances concentration and stimulates learning, but it can make a baby cry more and cause anxiety.
• Blue: Relaxes the nervous system and has a tranquilizing effect, always helpful in a bedroom.
• Pink: Calming; acts as tranquilizer.
• Green: The easiest color on the eye, it has a neutral effect on the nervous system; a serene, refreshing color.
• White: Makes a room feel lighter and cooler.

The Right Furniture

The first thing you will select for your baby’s room is the crib.  Cribs come in a large variety of styles, dimensions, and finishes and your choice should be based on how the furniture piece will help to create the overall look of the room.  Now many cribs convert to toddler beds or to a regular twin sized beds.  By purchasing convertible cribs, you can use these furniture pieces for many years.

Next, you can begin adding the matching changing table and either a glider or a rocker recliner.  As far as storage, depending on the allotted space you can choose either a dresser or the expandable cubby holes paired with the fabric storage containers. 

Finally, choose the best quality mattress you can afford.  The firmer the mattress, the safer it is.  Soft bedding sets make your baby comfortable and keep them safe as well.  The best fabrics for baby bedding are tight weave cotton or cotton blends.

Can You Feel It? - Using Textures in Your Interior Design

“The proper and subtle use of texture takes a design from being flat and dead to noticeable and alive.”                                                                                                                                    – Josh Byers

Texture is described as how a surface or object feels. Texture can be recognized by touch or sight. 

When you see a brick wall, you know it is rough and gritty without having to physically touch it. This is because your mind remembers a time in the past when you have touched a similar rough textures. When we see an object with a certain texture, we remember past tactile experiences. 

Designers use texture in a room to evoke a certain emotion. Texture is one of the five basic design elements and is often overlooked. 

Smooth textures seem cold and formal, while objects with more texture makes a space feel cozy. 

Texture can be recognized by its weight too. Reflective surfaces appear lighter, while coarse textures have a heavier appearance. 

Texture affects how open or closed a room feels. Highly reflective, hard surfaces make a room look as if it is much larger than a room with heavy paneling.It is imperative that texture be applied in the right way so the space is harmonious. 

Because texture visually fills a space, it is best to use subtle texture in smaller areas while large rooms can easily carry heavier textures.

When working with a monochromatic space, texture adds dimension. A good example of this is the shabby chic style where everything is some shade of white and texture is used to create the contrast. White or light colored walls are accented by heavy decorative crown molding and distressed furniture. 

Contemporary design is notorious for its bold approach to texture. Exposed brick walls are paired with stainless steel accents. 

Think about the "feel" (no pun intended) you want for your room, and how texture can play into that. And of course, if you want some help, call Aiva.